Portugal’s Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel recently met with the Foreign Secretary of UK David Lammy in London. Their discussions focused on how to improve relations between the two countries. Both leaders expressed optimism about the future. Rangel believes that with political stability in the UK and Portugal’s new state budget on the way which is the perfect time to revitalize ties with the UK.
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Portugal And The UK Bilateral Relations
Portugal and the UK alliance is one of the oldest alliances in the world. They have worked together in many areas such as trade, defense, and culture over the centuries. Brexit brought new challenges to their relationship. Now, both countries feel it is time for a post-Brexit relaunch of their partnership with the UK fully outside the European Union.
Rangel said:
Now in this framework of British political stability, on the one hand, and national stability on the other – since approval of the state budget bill in Portugal is guaranteed – there are all the conditions to make these bilateral relations flourish
We are in a unique moment. Political stability in the UK and the approval of our state budget in Portugal give us a strong base for growth.
Addressing Global Issues
Rangel’s visit to London was arranged earlier this month during a European Council meeting in Brussels. The UK remains an important partner for many European countries but it is no longer in the EU. The two ministers discussed key global issues which includes the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Portugal is interested in helping with British programs that provide support to Ukraine. Both ministers agreed that helping Ukraine stay strong is vital for Europe’s stability. Rangel also met with the UK’s Secretary of State for the Constitution and Relations with the EU Nick Thomas-Symonds to discuss possible collaborations in defense and crime prevention.
Rangel and Lammy condemned recent attacks by Israeli forces on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. They called for peace and for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Both believe that the situation must be calmed to prevent further suffering.
Trade And Security Cooperation
Another key topic was boosting trade and cooperation in security. Rangel and Lammy discussed working together to fight organized crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. They agreed that these issues are too large for any one country to handle alone.
Trade was a major focus as well. New rules have created barriers for businesses between the UK and EU since Brexit. Portuguese companies face more paperwork and costs when trading with the UK and British companies have similar challenges in the EU.
Rangel and Lammy talked about reducing trade barriers to address this. Rangel said:
The UK is a friend and an important partner for Portugal. But any trade deals must benefit both sides
Rangel wants to ensure that both Portugal and the UK can enjoy the benefits of trade without sacrificing their core interests.
Student Mobility
Rangel also raised the topic of student mobility. Many Portuguese and British students took part in the EU’s Erasmus exchange program before Brexit. However, the UK’s departure from the EU ended its participation in Erasmus and leave young people with fewer opportunities for exchange.
Rangel expressed his support for a new youth mobility plan by the European Commission which will allow citizens between 18 and 30 to work, study, or travel within member countries. Although the UK has refused to rejoin Erasmus, Rangel hopes that a similar program can be developed between Portugal and the UK.
Rangel emphasized:
We, for our part, talked a lot about the need to return to student mobility programmes
If Portugal and the UK can agree on such a program it will mark a big step forward in renewing cooperation in education. Rangel believes that supporting the next generation is essential for maintaining close ties between the two countries.
Rangel is hopeful about the future of Portugal-UK relations. Both countries are committed to working together on shared challenges. Rangel stressed that any agreements should be fair and balanced. He warned against cherry-picking where one side might only accept what it wants from a deal.
Rangel said that we must remember that partnerships only work when both sides benefit. The UK cannot simply choose what it likes and ignore the rest. True partnership requires respect and compromise.
